Addiction Education and Support

PEACE of Mind PROJECT

Our Mission:

Heritage Skills Development Center (HSDC) with support of the Scarborough Addiction Service Partnerships (SASP) aims to provide support to youth age 13-24 in the diverse community who are at-risk of and/or struggling with drug or substance use and addictions. Also, we aim to educate, create awareness, provide supportive counselling, networking opportunities as well as increased access to resources for target youth and their families.

Goal:

To provide support and education for at-risk Afro-Caribbean youth in the Eglinton East and Kennedy Park area/ Scarborough area to help overcome drug and substance addictions, promote recovery, and build resiliency. We provide a safe and supportive environment that promotes cultural diversity and clients’ preferences, needs and circumstances.

Understand:

Factors that cause addictions to drug and other substances

Effects of addictions on emotional, mental, and physical health

Long term health effects of substance use

Stigma associated with addictions

Learn:

Prevention and effective quitting strategies

Coping mechanisms with stress, anxiety and other mental health issues

Develop new and positive relationships

Increased knowledge on addiction prevention and quitting strategies

We Provide:

Information sessions and bi-weekly workshops that are available once a month which provide information on early prevention, intervention and addiction education and addiction strategies, withdraw management

Once a month, one to one social support/ personalized counselling for individuals and families for drug users and youth with mental health issues

Referral services for treatment and harm reduction centres

Monthly sharing circles and support groups

Individual follow-ups

Outcomes:

Health and Well Being

Increased self esteem and self confidence through counselling

Networking with other peers

Skills and ideas on how to use you own creativity through strategic and innovative techniques that ensure the avoidance of substance abuse